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DCC Monster: Crystal Aberration

There are several theories on how these cyrstal aberrations originally form. Some say these crystal aberrations spontaneously form in rare circumstances when earth energies and crystal meld into one. Others say powerful wizards have mastered the earth element and can cause the crystal to meld together and become sentient. Some suggest these crystal creatures form as a result of some alien being starting the process in motion. No one can say for certain what the source of these creatures initial energy is.

Growing slowly over time, the crystal formations automate and begin to form symbiotic ties to crystal obelisks where they draw their growing energy. Left unchecked a multitude of these crystal aberrations will form, their power growing stronger as they harvest more crystal for the powering obelisk.

A crystal aberration uses its crystalline fists as weapons when close to other combatants. The creature can also unleash a shower of fast moving crystal shards towards an attacker, peppering the victim with hundreds of thin, needle-like crystal projectiles. Larger crystal aberrations gain a fire surge ability which is used for crafting crystal power obelisks and as an offensive capability.

Upon the destruction of a crystal aberration the energy that formed it is released in a violent explosion of crystal shards. This utter destruction of the creature showers the nearby area in thousands of crystalline needle-like projectiles.

As the crystal aberrations become sentient, they often begin crafting obelisks to further channel the earth energies to themselves. The obelisks are formed from crystal harvested from rocks and then melded with heat into the obelisk structure. As the obelisk grows larger the crystal aberrations in the area will also grow and become more powerful.

This obelisk’s power is one with the crystal aberrations. This symbiotic relationship between obelisk and chief crafter includes both crafter and obelisk being destroyed if either is destroyed. When either the obelisk or crafting crystal aberration is destroyed, both explode in a powerful blast of crystal shrapnel.

2 thoughts on “DCC Monster: Crystal Aberration”

Very cool write-up and thanks for using my 1st wacom attempt. 🙂
The Crystal Obelisk is a neat hazard, simply place something personal or important to the PC’s mission inside; “bound in crystal”.

Another idea, the dwarves of crystal mountain hand carve crystal boom balls (grenades/thrown weapon) and sell in locally for a high price. Once struck on a hard surface they will explode in 2d4 seconds.